1. Begin by reading Jesus’ words to Martha, found in John 11:25:

“I am the resurrection and the life.

The one who believes in me will live, even though they die;

and whoever lives by believing in me will never die.

Do you believe this?”

2. Jesus posed this question to Martha, the sister of Lazarus. But it is recorded in John here to also prompt us to consider. Reflect on your own faith journey for a moment. What helps you to believe that Jesus truly is the resurrection and the life? Does anything make it difficult for you to believe at times?

3. Now, read through John 11 together. Consider assigning 4 people to each read one of the following sections. Pause after each section to share any thoughts. What stands out? What questions do you have? Does anything encourage or challenge you?

a. John 11:1-16 (The Death of Lazarus)

b. John 11:17-37 (Jesus Comforts the Sisters of Lazarus)

c. John 11:38-44 (Jesus Raises Lazarus From the Dead)

d. John 11:45-53 (The Plot to Kill Jesus)

4. This is a passage that is filled with deep emotion. Take time to notice where the emotions listed below are evident throughout the passage:

Grief, Longing, Hope, Regret, Confidence, Fear, Reluctance, Judgement, Anger

a. Consider the emotions shown by the people in the story (the disciples, Mary, Martha, and the crowd of Jewish mourners). In what ways can you relate to these characters/people?

b. Consider the emotions shown by Jesus. What do you think these emotions reveal about His character/disposition towards humanity?

5. The raising of Lazarus is the 7th and final sign found in John’s Gospel, meant to point beyond itself to something greater. What do you think this sign reveals? Consider the following as you reflect on this together:

a. In what ways is the love of Jesus revealed?

b. In what ways is the power of Jesus revealed?

c. In what ways is the mission of Jesus revealed?

6. Jesus’ choice to turn towards Bethany to perform this final sign ultimately marked a turn toward the cross because it set events in motion that would lead to his death. Reflect together on the idea that Jesus’ decision to go to Bethany to raise Lazarus from the dead was actually a decision to lay down his life for the ones that He loves.

a. In what ways did Jesus move towards death?

b. In what ways did He move towards LIFE?

7. In what ways did the miracle Lazarus experienced offer a revelation of what was to come? And in what ways is this final sign different from the event that it was pointing forward to? (the death and resurrection of Jesus)

Pray for each other out of the items discussed. Pray that this Holy Week, as we celebrate the death and resurrection of Christ, each one of you will grow more deeply in your understanding and belief in all that Christ has done for us!